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Podcast briefly on how i did a couple of my artworks

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Artist statement  

Drawing has been a big part of my life for as long as i can remember. From an early age, I spent hours sketching characters from my favourite comics, always pushing myself to be better with each attempt. That early enthusiasm for art never faded. Even today drawing is a source of passion and brings me peace. Drawing remains a big part of my life; it helps to me to express myself with what I draw. In my drawings I usually draw nature scenes or Wildlife animals.  

I get my inspiration from photo’s I take in countryside or photos of the wildlife animals from stock photos. I find nature and wildlife inspiring to draw because I like the details in them and if the composition is interesting. I always start out with a basic sketch to map out the composition, scale and what elements I want in the drawing. Then I start to build up layers creating tonal depth and textures in the animals or nature scenes. 

I have now expanded my passion to painting and mixed media. I attend college, doing a two-year HND to improve my skills. The inspiration for my paintings remains the same, I still use nature and wildlife as my sources of inspiration because it highlights the beauty around us. 

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Art OrganiSations and Professional Bodies  

In an endless world of possibilities, where only the mind sets the limits, where people come together and share and shape ideas. It is good to have somewhere to go. A place that supports creativity, nurtures ambitions, and connects you with other artists. In this blog, I will explore what an art organisation is, and what a professional body is, and the benefits of joining one or both in your artistic journey.  

What is an Art Organisation?  

An art organisation is structured to help, support, promote, and develop the arts and the artists that create them. This can take the form of traditional arts, media, dance, theatre, and visual arts. The main purpose of the organisation is to support artistic development and make the arts accessible to a wider audience. (https://www.hcpc-uk.org/about-us/who-we-work-with/professional-bodies/ ).  

“Its purpose is to support artistic development and make the arts accessible to wider audiences.”  

Main points:  

. A creative hub for artists to come together and gather, collaborate, and share ideas.  

. A platform for artists to exhibit art, performances, or events, to reach its targets audiences.   

.  A support system from your peers offering mentoring, a place/studio to develop ideas, develop networking opportunities, or help with funding ideas.  

.  A good way to connect the community of artists with organisations, and with the public who appreciate the arts.  

What is an Art Professional Body?  

An art Professional body is a formal organisation that supports, represents, and regulates people in the arts through membership. Unlike organisations, the professional body is more concerned with the standards, accreditation, ethics, and career development in the art sector. (https://www.hcpc-uk.org/about-us/who-we-work-with/professional-bodies/).   

Main points:  

. Connecting isolated artists through exhibitions, events, and forums.   

. Gain credibility.  

. Build networks with artists, galleries, and other practitioners.  

. Access professional opportunities.  

. Stay up to date with industry standards.  

. Strengthen your career identity.  

Examples of an Art Organisation  

An example of an art organisation is the Scottish Sculpture Workshop, located in Lumsden, Huntley (https://www.ssw.org.uk/).   

I believe it is very important to join an art organisation as it is an invaluable resource for an artist to have because it gives you support and helps you gain more  knowledge in creativity and using different techniques, rather than leaving you alone to navigate through the art world. Organisations give you an opportunity to be part of a community with access to workshops, resources, and opportunities to exhibit your work. So, the strengths are being part of a community that supports and helps you grow as an artist, plus it gives you access to workspaces, studios, and galleries.  

Other Opportunities in Scotland are:  

The Barn Arts - https://www.thebarnarts.co.uk/?_ga=2.79409558.367136691.1779013602-1832553780.1779013602   

Deveron Projects - https://www.deveron-projects.com/  

An example of a Professional body  

An example of a Professional body is the Aberdeen Artists' Society. The group's primary exhibit at the Aberdeen Art Gallery and the Music Hall (Events & Fairs).   

The first picture is the Aberdeen Art Gallery, and the second is the Music Hall.  

Joining a Professional Art body is an important next step in strengthening your artistic career because it gives you credibility, recognition, and access to a network of established practitioners. The organisations help take your career to a new level, provide legal advice, mentoring, development through in going training, and access to industry resources. Having a membership shows a level of commitment to yourself and the artist world, which night give new opportunities to do exhibitions, commissions, various teaching roles (volunteering, tutor), and help with any funding opportunities.  in short joining a professional body connects you with your peers who also have the same passion as you, helps you stay informed with everything connected to the art industry, and supports you as your career grows.  

Other Opportunities in Scotland are:   

Applied Arts- https://www.appliedartsscotland.org.uk/  

Society of Scottish Artists  

Scottish Society of Artists

I found while researching this, there are lots of opportunities for artist of all levels to explore their creativity and display it in their chosen medium. In conclusion, I believe both the art organisations and professional bodies are important in any artist's career. Both offer an artist a space to grow creatively and professionally. Whether you are looking to improve your skills and do well as a local artist, or take it to a professional career level, one or both options are a good choice and investment in your future.   

References  

Aberdeen Artists Galleries exhibiting their work (2026) Aberdeen and Local artists work on Aberdeen Artists Society. https://aberdeenartistssociety.co.uk/. (Accessed, 17th May 2026)  

Applied Arts Scotland (2026) Home - Applied Arts Scotland. https://www.appliedartsscotland.org.uk/. (Accessed, 17th May 2026) 

Insider, L. (2025) Arts organization Definition | Law Insider. https://www.lawinsider.com/dictionary/arts-organization. (Accessed, 16th May 2026) 

Professional bodies (2023). https://www.hcpc-uk.org/about-us/who-we-work-with/professional-bodies/. (Accessed, 17th May 2026) 

Projects, D. (no date) Deveron projects. https://www.deveron-projects.com/. (Accessed, 16th May 2026) 

Society of Scottish Artists (2026) Society of Scottish Artists. https://s-s-a.org/. (Accessed, 17th May 2026) 

Scottish Sculpture Workshop (2026) Book now for 2025-26 Courses - Scottish Sculpture Workshop. https://www.ssw.org.uk/courses/. (Accessed, 16th May 2026) 

The Barn – multi-arts centre (no date). https://www.thebarnarts.co.uk/?_ga=2.79409558.367136691.1779013602-1832553780.1779013602%20%E2%80%8B%20%20%E2%80%8B. (Accessed, 16th May 2026) 

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Dog on pillows, graphite drawing on paper

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Pug graphite drawing on paper

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An elephant in nature, graphite drawing on paper

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Scream graphite drawing on paper

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Michael Caine graphite drawing on paper

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Monkey graphite drawing on paper

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Lion graphite drawing on paper

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Anthony Hopkins- Graphite drawing on paper 

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Stone Circle- mixed media on canvas

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Elephant on canvas

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Acrylic painting on canvas

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Oil painting, done on canvas board and framed in an upcycled frame.

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